Karl L. Decker III

Karl L. Decker III, of Lafayette and formerly of Frankfort, passed away on Monday, June 12, 2017, at IU Health Arnett Hospital.

He was born September 1, 1940, in Frankfort, to Karl L. and Kathleen Bryant Decker Jr.  On December 2, 1961, he married Barbara A. Chaffins in Ohio; she survives.

Karl graduated from Frankfort High School in 1958, and then served in the United States Air Force for eight years.  He began working on the N&W Railroad for 18 years before becoming a communications officer at the Frankfort Police Department.  After 22 years of service and working part-time at Schultz IGA, Karl retired and began driving for Paul Phillippe Resource Center.

Staying active throughout his life, Karl had a true love of baseball.  It started with pitching the first no hitter in Frankfort Little League, then training camp with the Washington Senators after high school, playing for Wright Patterson Air Force base while enlisted, and later coaching Frankfort Babe Ruth, Jackson Elementary, and Frankfort Little League.  Karl was an avid Cub’s fan and golfer.  He also enjoyed fishing especially for salmon in Harry’s River in Newfoundland and walleye in Way Dam, Michigan.

In addition to his wife, Karl is survived by his children, Schelly Decker, of Lafayette, Brett (Nancy) Decker, of Mulberry, and Brad Decker (Bob Samson), of Pembroke, NH; sister, Sue Ellen Muncie, of Lebanon; grandchildren, Nathaniel (Katie) Decker, Alexander Decker, Macaulay Decker, Whitney Adams, and Robert (Brandy) Royer; and three great-grandchildren, Graham, Delaney, and Adley.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 15, 2017, at Genda Funeral Home in Frankfort, from 11:00 a.m. to the start of the funeral service at 2:00 p.m.  Pastor Shan Sheridan will officiate.  Burial will follow in Green Lawn Cemetery in Frankfort.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in Karl’s name may be made to Frankfort Little League.  Online condolences may be directed to www.gendafuneralhome.com.